News & Commentary

Two signs are held up during the May Day March In Manhattan, New York on May 1, 2025. The largest of the signs is in the foreground and reads"We Are a Nation of Immigrants," while the smaller in the background reads, " WE ARE ALL (EXCEPT NATIVE...

Help Wanted: Oklahoma’s Immigration Crisis and the Urgent Need For Habeas Counsel

Oklahoma has a growing immigration enforcement crisis.

By Travis Handler

Latest Event

Memorial for Kendrick Simpson

Kendrick Simpson was a poet, a friend, a father, a grandfather, a son, and a loving community member. On February 12, 2026, Kendrick was executed by the state of Oklahoma. You can learn more about Kendrick here.

Kendrick’s life was marked by resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to education and the arts. He was the first person in Oklahoma to earn his GED while on Death Row, and he excelled in several college courses, demonstrating his dedication to learning even in the most challenging circumstances.

During his time at Rose State, Kendrick published poetry in the 2024 and 2025 editions of the school’s literary journal, Pegasus. In 2024, he was a finalist for the James Axley Fiction and Poetry award for his poem, “Who Am I.” Kendrick also published a book of poetry, essays, and short stories written from Death Row, titled Sentenced to Speak: Ruminations of a Triggered Mind. He dedicated the sales of his book and any other donations to the creation of a writing award for a Department of Corrections student at Rose State, hoping to inspire others to find their voice through writing.

Please join us in honoring Kendrick’s memory at this memorial.

More from the Press

Stay informed on civil rights issues. Discover our latest actions and updates in the Press Release section.

Feb 13, 2011

Activist & attorney Mark Henricksen, to be Interim ACLU-OK Executive Director

Mark Hendrickson

The ACLU Board of Directors named Oklahoma City attorney Mark Henricksen to serve as Interim Executive Director. Henricksen is a former board member, president, general counsel and national board repr

Oct 13, 2009

Bob Lemon named Angie Debo Civil Libertarian of the Year for 2009

Bob

Sep 22, 2009

High School Seniors: Become an ACLU Youth Activist Scholar!

The

Jul 23, 2009

Newsletter to now be published twice a year

Jul 13, 2009

NOMINATIONS FOR AWARDS NOW BEING ACCEPTED

The ACLU of Oklahoma is currently accepting nominations for the Angie Debo Civil Liberties Award and the Fran Morris Civil Liberties in Media Award to be presented at this year’s Bill of Rights Celebration

Nov 10, 2008

ACLU Loses Invaluable Advocates

Nov 10, 2008

THE DEATH PENALTY - TORTURE REFINED?

Randy Coyne

By Randy Coyne, National Board Representative

Presently, 36 states (including Oklahoma) and the federal government are in the execution business. All of these jurisdiction

Nov 10, 2008

RESTORATION OF THE ANTI-DEATH PENALTY PROJECT

Matt Whalen, Project Director

The American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma is proud to announce the revitalization of the ACLU of Oklahoma Anti-Death Penalty Project. This project has been dormant for the past decade and members of t

Sep 03, 2008

Affirmative Action Debate

Chuck ThorntonACLU of Oklahoma Legal Di

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